Little Miss Confessions

Singapore "Beauty Blogger" | Beauty Confessions

An essential part of my beauty routine has always been a killer liner . I am referring to a liner strong enough to make an impression and not a weapon of destruction. There are so many formulas and brush tips to choose from in the market but it all boils down to personal preference.

Some prefer a felt tip applicator while some prefer a liner with a brush-tip applicator. Is there a particular tip which works its magic easier? I have yet to decipher the answer to this question.

What I have discovered though is that formulation does play a big role in determining how well your liner turns out. Personally, I am a big fan of the gel-pot formula. Not only is it richly pigmented, it does have a longer wear time due to the concentration of pigments used.

However, factors such as gel pots drying out and brushes not giving a precise application may add to the frustration. Also, getting the perfect flick using a gel-based formula takes practice.

Liquid liners on the other hand are great for makeup novices and pros. They are easier to grip and drawing precise strokes becomes a breeze. My only gripe with such formulas/tips would be its wear time. Due to the fluid nature of the formula, its pigmentation might be compromised making it runny. You may be getting a great stroke but it might not wear for as long.

Besides having a long wearing formula, let’s not forget that the ideal formula needs to be stark black. All of these qualities can be found in the Reflections Organics Liquid Liner (Black Onyx). If you are a fan of brush liners, this product is a must have in your stash. Made with 70% organic ingredients, I love how easy it is to create a winged liner using the precise brush tip. Many of us might have experienced discomfort with a couple of commercial liners due to the ingredients. I love to give this product a good shake before application.

As you are drawing your liner style, you will notice a cooling after-feel ( courtesy of an ingredient Aloe Barbadensis). The use of this cooling ingredient not only has a high antioxidant value but it also helps to protect against sensitivity and common woes such as psoriasis and eczema. This is particularly useful for users who have a sensitive eye area (i.e signs of tearing easily in the contact of product).

The formula swatches as a cool-toned black and dries down to a semi-matte finish. There is a sheen of shine but its nothing overly shiny to take away from your look of choice. Apart from having a sturdy brush tip applicator, I am drawn to two other factors.

FORMULA

The formula glides on smoothly and is opaque on initial application. There is no pressing need to build up the pigmentation unless you’re going for a thicker liner look. Due to the product’s rich pigmentation, I do find that its essential to give the tube a good shake prior to application. This reduces the chances of getting too much build up on your brush tip. The icing on the cake has to be the waterproof formula. I did a water-test for the product on my Instagram page (click here) and it sure did not budge. The product is easily removed using an oil-based makeup remover or even micellar water.

APPLICATION

Compared to commercial brush tips, Reflections Organics’ brush tip leans on a denser side. Some might not fancy this but it pretty much reminds me of a paintbrush. This would take some getting used to but here’s a tip – rest your pinky finger at an angle on your cheekbone. This not only helps to secure the position of the brush but it allows you to have a better grip. Start by dotting small dots along your top lash line. Once you’re satisfied with the shape, connect the dots and you’re ready to go.

At USD30 (link), this may lean towards being more of a high-end liquid liner but I do feel that its worth every penny. This is especially so if you’re an avid fan of liner art. 6ml of product will last you a good amount of time. This product is definitely worth a check if you’re looking to up your liner game.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this post. For more beauty confessions, feel free to follow me on Instagram at Littlemissconfessions.

My Everyday Makeup Routine: Video + Reflections Organics Review

March 19, 2017 by Zoe

Simple Makeup TutorialHi ladies, recently I started using a couple of products from Reflections Organics I got from its launch event, and decided to add them into my everyday makeup routine. It’s been a few months, and I still find myself reaching out for them. So a review is definitely needed on the blog! Besides that, I also made a video to share how I do my makeup. Very basic, no frills, light makeup that can survive the humid weather in Singapore.

Reflections Organics Makeup Review

Camouflage Cream in Picturesque Review

Pros: Love, love, love this product. Although the Camouflage Cream comes in a pot, the formula is towards creamy than cakey. Very lightweight, blend-able, and easy to layer on if you need more coverage. It has worked very well for my dark eye circles, and especially blemishes.

Best part? Its healing properties from organic contents like Vitamin E, jojoba seed oil, cocoa seed butter, moisturises and heals my blemishes at the same time working as a concealer. Makeup that heals and beautifies, what more can I ask for? :)

There are 5 shades available, and the Picturesque is the darkest (still pretty light I think!)! I’ve gotten pretty tanned and this shade suits me just fine after I have brightened up my skin tone with CC cream. The combination gives a healthy and natural glow to my visage. At first I was worried about it melting away, but after setting it with loose powder, the concealer cream does not budge that much.

Cons: Since the product is so lightweight, I needed to apply more of it each time. I’m already hitting bottom of the tub! *sobs*

Rating: 4.5/5

Liquid Liner Review

Pros: The staying-power of the Liquid Liner is INSANE. It claims to be 100% smudge-proof so I did an experiment. I drew 3 strokes of varying thickness on my hand and that’s what still left after 3 days. 3 DAYS of normal hand-washing, showering, etc did not even make most of the liner budge. But of course, it came off very easily once I used a makeup remover. I am super impressed with its long wearibility, and it totally struck down the notion that organic makeup is not long lasting.

Cons: Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with the applicator brush. The Liquid Liner has a rather thick brush, which isn’t exactly a brush either, but a hard stick. It felt like I was applying with a wooden pen nib, and it was also quite difficult to control the thickness of the stroke.

But like I said, its staying-power is its saving grace. Once it dries, it transforms into a film-like layer on the eyelids, and stay put. Probably it will be good if you’re heading to the beach/pool, and need some makeup? :)

Rating: 3/5

Lip Butter In Sweet Plum ReviewPros: Gorgeous colour, super moisturizing, and does not dry out the lips AT ALL. I’ve had lip sticks cracking out my lips, but my lips only feel softer after applying the Lip Butter. It doesn’t have an oily or sticky feel. It is also long-lasting, and leaves a gentle colour stain, which I like. Although you see some shimmer in the colour upon application, I believe that’s from the organic butters (mango, avocado, cocoa) that are absorbed into the lips quickly, leaving a more matte finish.

Cons: Can’t think of any… Excellent formula :)

Rating: 5/5

I didn’t use the Liquid Liner in the video as I had eyelash extensions on, but here’s a look using all 3 products! :)

A big salute to beauty Youtubers out there, you ladies really have a very tough job! It was only when I tried to create a makeup tutorial video myself that I realised that video editing can take up a HUGE amount of time. Hopefully I get better at being in front of the camera so I don’t have to edit so much out! Haha I hope to make more videos to supplement my blog content, please subscribe if you’d like to be updated! :)

About Reflections Organics

Reflections Organics is a Singapore-founded cruelty-free organic and mineral makeup line. Each product is formulated with up to 90% USDA certified organic ingredients, with no harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. The line boasts a high-performing pigmented makeup with long-lasting power, while providing wholesome natural nourishment for skin.

BEST OF BRANDS: WHAT YOU SHOULD TRY & BUY · FOUNDATION · REFLECTIONS ORGANICS · UNCATEGORIZED

If there has anything I have learnt about Singapore’s weather and makeup over the years, it is that they share a love-hate relationship. The humid weather spares no one and sometimes, even the strongest of bases ends up succumbing to the sweltering heat. It is for this very reason that I am always on a lookout for the best skin bases – and when I mention best, I am referring to light weight yet pigmented. Trust me, the search has not been easy.

I have been putting a new base to the test and I am glad to revert with some positive feedback. Joining the reigns of the top foundations in my list (i.e. Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, L’Oréal Makeup Designer Paris Infallible Pro-Matte) is…

Reflections Organics Organic Liquid Foundation (shade: Mesmerize). All it took was 5 tries for me to fall in love with this foundation.

Ingredients

I am always intrigued by any product’s ingredients list. After all, you should be aware of what’s going onto your face. A stand out ingredient for in this foundation is Rice Powder. I have been using Rice Powder oil-blotting sheets for years, so imagine my excitement when I saw this as one of the ingredients. Rice powder is nature’s natural form of sun protectant. Back in the day, my mother used to apply it to keep her face matte. This ingredient helps to soothe and protect the skin and leaves the complexion feeling soft and smooth. Perhaps that is why you’ll notice the foundation gliding onto your face effortlessly and blending well.

Did you know, you could also use rice powder to exfoliate your skin? It works well for even acne-prone skin types.

Shades | Will you be able to find one?

Currently, Reflections Organics Organic Liquid Foundation is available in only 3 shades(i.e. Perfection, Mesmerize, Luminous). I am using the shade Mesmerize. This shade would work well for belles with medium to honey skin tones. I hope more shades are available in the near future because the formula is pretty bomb.com to miss out on. For now, belles with darker skin tones will have to wait.

Coverage | Impressions

This 90% Organic foundation offers up to medium coverage on initial application. It is definitely buildable but I would advise against applying more than 2 layers lest you end up piling on too much. The speciality of this product is that less is more. Remember belles, foundation is meant to even your skin tone out and provide coverage which looks natural. Additional coverage can come in the form of correctors or concealers.

The top two application methods for this foundation are either via a damp beauty sponge or a dense buffing brush which would allow you to work the product into the skin.

The first coat gives the complexion “even-ness” You’ll notice your complexion looking more fresh and radiant. If you struggle with dullness or a lacklustre complexion, this foundation would give it a boost. However, if you struggle with redness you might require more than one layer. At the point of testing, I did have one zit on my chin and boy did this foundation cover it well.

Dark circles are a common skincare woe for me – while my dark circles aren’t overly dark, I do find that they can make or break my look. This foundation did not cover them to the degree I am used to (it did a good job of about 60%) and I had to go in with a powder / concealer (a tiny bit). What it commendable though is that the foundation did not cake up under my eyes or around my nose. Even after 5 hours, tap your ring finger under your eyes and you’ll still feel that the area is hydrated.

Finish | Wear Time

The foundation sets with a semi-matte finish without drying your skin out. You will notice an inherent glow which comes this foundation. So, if you are someone who does not like a mixture of semi matte with a dew, this might not be up your alley.

Skin-friendly ingredients such as Aloe Barbadensis and Rosemary Extract have been used in the product to not only protect your skin but soothe it.

Throughout the day (i.e. 6-7 hours of wear), the foundation kept my skin feeling cool. At the 6 hour mark, I did find that some of the foundation had rubbed off my chin and nose but it was nothing overly obvious, excepts on my lower chin. A little touch of powder helped to mattify the skin and prolong the wear time.

However on days where my skin leaned towards the drier side, the foundation did break up on the 5 hour mark and touch ups were required around my brow bone and chin.

Speaking of powder, I did set the foundation with a light dust of mineral powder at the end of application. If you have a drier complexion, you could skip this step but for individuals with combination or oily skin types, you might wish to set the foundation. My two top powder picks are Reflections Organics Mineral Powder in Flawless, RCMA Colourless Powder and LUSH Emotional Brilliance Powder. Due to the liquid nature of this foundation and ingredients used, setting the foundation would help to prevent the product from slipping about.

Buy it or skip it?

Despite the limited colour selection, I would highly recommend this product to belles who are able to find their shade. The foundation feels like second skin and that is what you would want in a humid climate like Singapore’s. It is long lasting, provides buildable coverage and leaves your skin feeling radiant – now that is a powerful combination in a base product.

You are also receiving 30 ml of product which to me is a bonus. As a little goes a long way, this foundation will suffice over the months.

Yet another amazing product from this local brand! If you would like to see a snippet of how the foundation wore on me, check out the tutorial on my all-new Facebook page (click click)

I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this post. For more beauty confessions, feel free to follow me on Instagram at Littlemissconfessions.

Reflections Organics | Eco-friendly makeup line

Reflections Organics, founded by Nerissa is a local homegrown brand that’s organic, eco-friendly and cruelty-free makeup line. The colour pigmentation is on point and certainly impressed me upon trying it out myself. Reflections Organics consist a diverse range of highly pigmented and long lasting makeup from Anti-aging BB cream, mineral powder, highlighters, blush and the list goes on and on.

Each product is formulated with up to 90% USDA certified organic ingredients, while providing the wholesome natural nourishment for skin.

Since our skin also absorbs any chemicals in the cosmetics, Reflections Organics aims to protects your health as well as fragile ecosystems of the Earth with detailed attention for environmentally-friendly packaging such using soy-based ink for labels or translucent boxes to reduce printing wastage and recyclable pouches for packaging.

Their products are of quality so you get what you pay for. I use to think that organic products are not as pigmented until I’ve tried out Reflections Organics makeup that really change my persective. The two products that I’ve been using are the Sheer Mineral Bronzer and Mineral Eye Shadow. Since they are both really highly pigmented, I really only need a small amount of products in each use. The texture is very smooth and glides on the skin easily. The first shade on the top is the bronzer and the shade in the bottom is the eye shadow.

Reflections Organics believe in giving back to the less-privileged families hence Reflections is a supporter to the children of needy families in Christian Life Church in Cebu, Bantayan since the brand’s inception through donating a portion of profits made into providing for their education and livelihood. In fact, Nerissa personally has 2 kids whom she has been sponsoring for 2 years now. It’s always a beautiful thing when brands remembers to give back.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to attend the Reflections Organics Media Launch Event, and was introduced to the large range of organic makeup products that were available as well as the rationale behind the company.

Reflections Organics is a Singaporean-founded cruelty-free and mineral makeup line, and was created to fill in the gap and lack of the highly pigmented and long lasting makeup products that are made with organic ingredients (or at least, for the most part organic). This was not my first encounter with this brand, as I have tried their Brow Pomade and Lip Butter before. You can read more about my review on these products here.

Organic makeup has gained quite a bit of traction throughout the recent years as consumers (aka us) started to realise about the nasty chemicals that are used in cosmetics and our skin does absorb it, as it is the largest organ of the body after all. Many brands have been labelled as organic or natural, but always keep in mind that any product can have that label as long as one ingredient is natural or organic. Do take a look at the ingredients and discern for yourself if the product contains sufficient organic ingredients if you are planning to go on the organic cosmetics route. On their website, the percentage of organic ingredients are clearly stated in the descriptions, and I like the transparency here.

This brand does feature a large range of makeup that is 100% vegan. The products are formulated with up to 90% USDA certified organic ingredients, without any nano particles so that it does not get absorbed into the blood stream.

I was quite impressed with the selection and shade ranges, as there is a good spectrum of shades to for many skin tones and preferences. For example, their mineral eye shadow comes in 16 shades! For an organic makeup brand, I am definitely enjoying the options provided. The products are also pigmented, which is definitely a plus point as nobody wants to invest in a cosmetic product with little payoff.

The packaging is environmentally-friendly, utilising soy-based ink for labels and translucent boxed to reduce printing wastage.

One aspect that I found that was notable was the fact that a portion of the profits is donated to children of needy families in Cebu to provide for their education and livelihood. That is definitely something I respect and think deserves a mention here.

If you're interested, you can check out their main website here. They do provide free shipping within Singapore and free international shipping above USD 200. I for one am pretty interested in their All Natural No Rinse Makeup Remover! Perhaps I'd give it a go once I finish my micellar water stash.